I’ve arrived! And the team will be arriving later today. This town has so many elements to it, from big worn down warehouses, abandoned yards, to a small, calm downtown environment, to quaint hillside farms and homes. There is a lot of diversity in the area as far as neighborhoods from first glance, but one word that comes to mind is “quiet.” Knowing the little history I know about Johnstowns flooding history, and the tendency for people to be leaving the area more than coming, I’ve noticed that there is a certain peace about the city as a whole. Its not so overrun with people trying to get from point A to point B. You can tell there is a slowed down, calmer pace. And among all of the rundown and overgrown buildings and city sidewalks, there is a beauty here in the hills, the river, the sunset. And of course, the continuously changing weather! In the span of about 4 hours, it rained, then the clouds cleared, then poured again about 3-4 times. Overall, I’m excited to experience more of the roots of what I’m seeing!
As I’ve spent the last 24+ hours driving and walking around Johnstown, PA, there are so many thoughts coming to mind. “What is this community really like at its core? What did it used to be like? What is God doing here? What can we learn? How am I going to lead a team of young guys this week and how are we going to make an impact here of all places?” All of our contacts here are wonderful people and I cant wait to get to know them all more. Ive been praying for God to reveal himself to our team in a new way during this very short trip. I don’t know where this group is at with their hearts for serving God, but I pray he meets them in a new way, and that we can be a light in this community.
